
Posted by Ashley Gannon on Jan 25, 2012
Launched early last year, RVNN.TV is the first internet television network devoted exclusively to the RV world and the RV lifestyle. A just-announced partnership with Roku, maker of the top-selling internet TV set-top box, is expected to expand the network’s reach to more than 3 million new viewers. Roku customers will now be able to enjoy the RV network’s full line of RV programs on their flat-screen TVs via high-speed internet. If you’re a member of the RV Nation, RVNN.TV is definitely worth a look.
The all-RV content on RVNN.TV offers viewers an interesting and varied mix of programs on every aspect of the RV life, including news reports on the RV industry, information on new RV models and features, reviews of new RV accessories, do-it-yourself tips, updates on RV technology, RV travel destinations and the RV lifestyle. On RVNN.TV viewers will find more than a dozen programs on a wide variety of subjects of interest to RV owners, RV dealers, RV shoppers and people who are curious about the RV lifestyle.
Among the programs currently offered on RVNN.TV are shows on geocaching, practical RV cooking tips, traveling with pets, RV gadgets, do-it-yourself RV maintenance and remodeling tips, video walk-throughs of new RV models, communications technology for RVers, information on RV volunteering and workamping, and much more. Tune in and see for yourself!
Posted by Ashley Gannon on Oct 28, 2011
RV ownership is up and climbing, according to the results of a new RV ownership survey conducted for the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA). That’s good news for RV dealers, RV owners and RV sellers. Despite the lingering effects of the recession, people continue to recognize the financial and recreational benefits of owning a recreational vehicle. An RV is now owned by nearly 1 in every 9 U.S. families!
Conducted by Dr. Richard Curtin, Director of Consumer Surveys at the University of Michigan, RVIA’s most recent RV Consumer Demographic Profile shows that America’s RV nation has grown to a record 8.9 million households, 8.5% of all U.S. households. In 2005, there were 7.9 million RV owners in the U.S., 8% of U.S. households.
The RVIA survey revealed a steady climb in RV ownership rates since the previous survey was conducted in 2005. With survey results indicating a steadily growing demand for RVs — according to the 2011 survey, 21% of U.S. households are planning to purchase an RV – industry analysts expect RV ownership numbers to continue climbing.
Interestingly, survey data indicates a new trend toward purchasing new RVs. According to the survey 70% of RV owners planned to replace their current RV, with many owners expressing a preference for more fuel-efficient, eco-friendly new RV models. A third of first-time RV buyers also expressed interest in purchasing new RVs.
Posted by Ashley Gannon on Aug 24, 2011
President Obama recently joined the ranks of the RV Nation when the Secret Service presented him with the latest addition to the presidential fleet, a $1.1 million luxury Prevost motorcoach. The company’s top-of-the-line model, the VIP H3-45 is a favorite with touring rock bands and Nashville stars, counting Lady Gaga, Beyonce, and Kenny Rogers among its owners.
So new it hasn’t been given a nickname yet, Motorcoach One is sleek, shiny and black like The Beast, the President’s GM-built Cadillac limousine. Like The Beast, Motorcoach One is outfitted with armored doors, bullet-proof glass and state-of-the-art communication and security systems. According to news reports, the 45-foot motorcoach is also equipped with flat-screen TVs, couches, galley and bathroom but no bed.
In the past when Presidents have gone on bus tours or hit the campaign trail, the Secret Service has rented RVs, retrofitting them with necessary security and communications gear. After comparing costs, this time the Secret Service decided to invest in an RV that could be built to their specifications. While the $1.1 million price tag of the President’s new ride isn’t cheap, the Secret Service expects to save money over the 10-year life of the vehicle.
The President has caught some flak from the press for not buying an American-made RV, but the Secret Service said the Prevost was the best match for its needs. The RV was ordered from the well-known American customizer Hemphill Brothers Coach in Tennessee which built and installed the custom interior into the Prevost shell.
Posted by Ashley Gannon on Jul 01, 2011
Wary of high gas prices, many RVers are taking more local trips to avoid pain at the pump. The AAA auto club expects 39 million Americans to be on the highways over the 4th of July weekend, a 2.5% decrease from last year. While that’s not a huge drop, many RV owners are opting for shorter trips this year.
More RVers are choosing to explore the delights found in their own and adjoining states and fewer RVers are heading cross country, but there’s no talk this year of staycations. RVers may be keeping on eye on their fuel gauge, but they’re still traveling. Local festivals, state fairs, state parks and RV campgrounds are expected to be prime RV destinations this summer.
President Obama’s decision last week to tap into the country’s emergency petroleum reserve and release 30 million barrels of oil has RV owners anticipating some relief from high pump prices that have hovered around $4 for months. While gas prices have fallen about 30 cents since May, the average cost per gallon — currently $3.65 — has remained well above last year’s summer average of $2.75 per gallon. Many RVers are hoping the President’s move will drop gas prices another 50 to 75 cents per gallon, although the U.S. Department of Energy is predicting an average summer gas price of $3.75 per gallon, nearly $1 more than last year but significantly below the $4 that kept RVers close to home earlier this year.
Posted by Ashley Gannon on May 06, 2011
Ouch! With gas topping $4 a gallon and still going up, RV owners are keeping a keen eye out for service stations with the cheapest gas prices. Now that some stations are starting to adjust pump prices daily, it can be tough to keep track of the best deals. Fortunately, there are online sites and mobile apps available to help RV travelers pinpoint good gas deals when they’re on the road. A couple of national gas providers have also begun offering loyalty discounts for RV drivers to help ease the pain at the pump.
Here’s a round-up of places to look for good RV gas deals:
> If you already use GasBuddy.com to find the best local deals on gas, you’ll want to download their mobile app to use while RVing. Fuel Finder is another popular mobile app for locating fuel deals when you’re on the road.
> Consider getting a credit card that offers a rebate on gas purchases. Depending on the card, you could recoup 3% to 5% of your total gas costs. Also, watch for promotional incentives that can increase your savings. CreditCard.org provides information and rate/feature comparisons on credit cards with gas incentives.
> Stock up on Walmart gift cards. When you use them to pay for fuel, you get a 3 cents per gallon discount at the pump.
> Flying J has introduced a rewards program for RVers that provides a 2 cents per gallon (or more) discount on fuel purchased at any of their service centers nationwide.
Posted by Ashley Gannon on Apr 04, 2011
By popular demand RVT Insight, our monthly newsletter, is back! Always focused on how best to serve RV sellers and buyers, RVT.com has been experimenting with a few different formats to provide site users with information that is both interesting and useful. We want to thank everyone who took the time to forward their comments or participate in our survey. The votes are in, and we’re pleased to announce that you’ve selected our informative monthly newsletter, RVT Insight, as your favorite way of keeping up with what’s new and interesting in the RV world.
In our April newsletter, online subscribers will find articles on how to buy an RV online and tips for creating an online RV classified ad. By popular demand, we’ll also continue to spotlight the top 10 most viewed RVs. Whether you’re buying or selling an RV or just looking and thinking about giving RV life a try, you’ll find plenty of useful information in RVT.com’s monthly newsletter. If you’re not already a newsletter subscriber, click here to sign up (it’s FREE!). Don’t forget to check our online library of past RVT Insight issues any time you’re looking for tips on selling or buying an RV online or taking care of your RV.
In response to user comments, RVT.com has also improved our iPad and iPhone apps. Both FREE apps are available at the app store and have been updated to interface beautifully with the new iPad2 and iOS 4.3. You’ll love our new browsing filter.
Posted by Shawn Friesen - Director of RVT.com on Feb 23, 2011
U.S. businesses spent more than $11 billion on online advertising last year and that number is expected to increase annually as the American marketplace continues to move online. More than 80% of shoppers already begin their search for a vehicle online, according to J. D. Power & Associates. Increasingly, RV dealers are focusing marketing campaigns online to capitalize on that enormous sales potential. It’s a not-so-simple matter of putting your product where the buyers are. Today, that means on the Internet and, increasingly, on social media sites, particularly Facebook.
There is more to successful Internet marketing than just plopping your RV inventory on a website. This is where the “not-so-simple” aspect comes into play. Creating an online marketing campaign that earns a respectable return on investment requires…continue to Full Article.
Posted by Shawn Friesen - Director of RVT.com on Feb 10, 2011
Over 1 Million Searches were done on RVT.com in the last 30 days, here are the most viewed RVs.
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